Some of the most haunting images of the early pandemic were of seniors pressing their hands against windows as they attempted to connect with loved ones who were not allowed inside care homes. The nonprofit, which operates in the Rubin Community Center, provides day care activities for low-income adults. Although many of their participants are seniors currently the eldest is 97 , the minimum age is Through the pandemic, she held online programs for about 50 communities throughout the Chicago area via Zoom, but nothing compares to meeting in person again, she said.
I like helping them while their family members are working. It helps them focus their artistic side instead of just sitting at home. Although they were unable to meet in person earlier in the pandemic, Executive Director Jennifer Brasfield says she had never been busier. During that time, she helped Riverwalk become approved as a veterans program provider so they can welcome vets to their programs.
They were also approved as an official State of Illinois Community Cares provider, she said. Brasfield also worked with the Naperville Senior Task Force in its efforts to have the city designated as dementia friendly.
Although there are numerous memory care facilities in town, day care for adults is less well known, she said. They live significantly longer and most want to live at home. Riverwalk Adult Day Services operates with 10 part-time staff members, including three nurses and an assistant director. But as a nonprofit, help is always needed, Stricker said. When it comes to hours, we can be very flexible.
It was established by 15 local churches that recognized the need for a senior service organization. They changed their name in Although not all clients have dementia, many do, and the need is growing.
